Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to create a dedicated Minister for the Night-Time Economy, arguing the sector is just as deserving of government representation as artificial intelligence.
The appeal comes just one day after the Prime Minister announced the appointment of the UK's first Cabinet-level AI minister, giving artificial intelligence a formal voice at the Cabinet table.
According to the Mayor, the night-time economy plays a vital role in the West Midlands, supporting approximately 324,000 jobs across the region, nearly one in four of the local workforce. Around 100,000 of those roles are directly linked to nightlife, including employment in pubs, restaurants, grassroots music venues, theatres and cinemas.
Mr Parker believes the sector deserves dedicated representation within central government and has proposed that the role should sit within the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, led by Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds.
Speaking about the proposal, Richard Parker said:
"Andy Burnham understands the night-time economy. He championed it in Greater Manchester with a Night-Time Economy Commissioner - so he knows what it means to a place and the people who live there. He’s previously called for support and relief for the industry, so he gets it.
"Yesterday he gave AI a minister. I'm asking him to do the same for the night-time economy.
"This is one in four jobs across our region. But more than that, it’s the cultural life blood of our places. It gives people somewhere to go, something to do, places to meet. The industry has taken a battering from Covid, rising costs and business rates. They need someone in government whose job is to fight their corner.
“We're getting on with our part here in the West Midlands - we’ve got a plan to address the challenges locally. But a minister in Government would pull the national picture together, so the whole country works to the same plan. We need to look out for the thousands of people who make their living after dark - giving our places the vibrance we all love."
The call follows recommendations made by the West Midlands Night-Time Economy Commission, which was established by the Mayor in autumn last year. The Commission published its report in May, setting out 25 recommendations aimed at revitalising the sector.
Among its proposals was the appointment of a national government champion to coordinate policy across areas including taxation, licensing and transport. The Commission also recommended later public transport services, safer town and city centres, and increased support for grassroots cultural venues.
Mr Parker said the West Midlands is already taking action locally but believes national leadership is needed to bring together policies affecting businesses that operate after dark.
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